Cranbrook, BC: The Vernon Vipers know they are in must-win territory as they square off with the Cranbrook Bucks tonight at Western Financial Place to wrap up a back-to-back weekend set.
With the regular season entering its final stretch, every point is critical in the race for the final playoff spot. The Vipers trail the Bucks by six points but still hold two games in hand, making tonight’s contest a pivotal one in the standings.
Last Game – Vernon
For the third time this season, the Vipers were held off the scoreboard, falling 4-0 to the Bucks on Friday night.
Despite generating nearly 30 shots on goal, Vernon was unable to solve Cranbrook goaltender Jason Tremblay. Lane Maarhuis turned aside 32 of the 35 shots he faced in the Vipers crease.
Special teams also played a role in the result. Vernon went 0-for-2 on the power play while surrendering a power play goal against on the only time they were shorthanded.
Last Game – Cranbrook
Shane Tronoski opened the scoring just 90 seconds into the game and the Bucks never looked back in the 4-0 victory.
Mitch Patrick led the way with a goal and an assist, while Adam Csabi recorded a goal and an assist of his own. Grant Denuccio chipped in with two helpers.
Jason Tremblay was perfect between the pipes, stopping all 29 shots he faced to earn his second shutout of the season.
By The Numbers
Vernon
Record: 13-26-7-0
Away Record: 7-13-2-0
Streak: L1
Last 10: 5-4-1-0
Power Play: 19.4% (17th BCHL)
Penalty Kill: 75.7% (12th BCHL)
Goals For: 149 (15th BCHL)
Goals Against: 189 (16th BCHL)
Goal Differential: -40 (16th BCHL)
Cranbrook
Record: 17-26-4-1
Home Record: 9-14-2-0
Streak: W1
Last 10: 5-4-1-0
Power Play: 21.7% (13th BCHL)
Penalty Kill: 73.5% (17th BCHL)
Goals For: 142 (17th BCHL)
Goals Against: 189 (15th BCHL)
Goal Differential: -47 (17th BCHL)
Scoring Leaders
Vernon
Dmitrii Kubantsev — 13G, 34A, 47 Pts
Deagan McMillan — 20G, 18A, 38 Pts
Christian Maro — 17G, 20A, 37 Pts
Cranbrook
Adam Csabi — 20G, 23A, 43 Pts
Grant Denuccio — 13G, 20A, 33 Pts
Goaltending
Vernon
Oliver Kanat — 5-12-5-0 | 3.57 GAA | .889 SV%
Lane Maarhuis — 3-3-0-0 | 3.81 GAA | .893 SV%
Jesse Sanche — 0-2-0-0 | 4.62 GAA | .860 SV%
Cranbrook
Jason Tremblay — 8-13-1-1 | 3.32 GAA | .883 SV% | 2 SO
Josh Scully — 7-5-0-0 | 3.26 GAA | .885 SV% | 1 SO
Head-to-Head
Tonight marks the seventh and final meeting between the two teams this season. The season series is currently tied at three games apiece.
The winner of tonight’s matchup will claim the season series and the potential tiebreaker.
Sept. 20 – Cranbrook 6, Vernon 1 – Kal Tire Place
Sept. 27 – Vernon 6, Cranbrook 1 – Kal Tire Place
Dec. 6 – Vernon 6, Cranbrook 3 – Kal Tire Place
Dec. 12 – Vernon 6, Cranbrook 3 – Western Financial Place
Jan. 9 – Cranbrook 4, Vernon 1 – Kal Tire Place
March 6 – Cranbrook 4, Vernon 0 – Western Financial Place
What’s At Stake
Vernon
Simply put, the Vipers need this one to stay within striking distance of the final playoff spot. Vernon currently sits six points behind Cranbrook but still holds two games in hand.
Cranbrook
For the Bucks, the goal is to keep Vernon in the rearview mirror while also trying to close the gap on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Cranbrook sits six points behind Salmon Arm for third place, though the Silverbacks have a game in hand.
What’s Next
Vernon
The Vipers return to the Okanagan and prepare for a home-and-home series with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, beginning Friday night at Rogers Rink.
Cranbrook
The Bucks hit the road next weekend with games in Spruce Grove and Sherwood Park.
Broadcast Information
🕖 Puck Drop: 7:00 PM MST (6:00 PM PST)
🕡 Pregame: 6:45 PM MST (5:45 PM PST)
📻 107.5 Beach Radio
🎧 Vernon Matters (audio stream)
📺 FloHockey
#TimeToStrike
